Empowering Rural Girls: Union Minister Inaugurates Sanitation and Drinking Water Facilities in Maharajganj

In a heartfelt step towards empowering young girls in rural India, Union Minister of State for Finance, Shri Pankaj Chaudhary, today inaugurated 16 modern toilet and drinking water facilities in Maharajganj district. These much-needed amenities — three at the Government Girls Inter College and thirteen across Kasturba Gandhi Vidyalayas — mark a significant milestone in the government’s mission for cleanliness, gender-sensitive education, and inclusive development.

This project, completed under the guidance of the Varanasi Commissionerate of the Lucknow CGST Zone, was a collaborative effort between the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) and the Central Public Works Department (CPWD). Launched in the financial year 2022-23 and completed by March 2025, the initiative now benefits over 5,000 girl students from some of the most remote and underserved parts of the district.

 

During the inauguration ceremony, Shri Chaudhary reaffirmed the Government of India’s deep-rooted commitment to creating a gender-inclusive and empowered India by 2047. He highlighted how such projects reflect the spirit of Swachh Bharat — not just as a cleanliness drive, but as a movement towards dignity, opportunity, and self-reliance, especially for women and girls.

 

CBIC Member Shri Surjit Bhujbal also addressed the gathering, expressing hope that the availability of clean sanitation and drinking water would help boost attendance and self-confidence among girl students. He described this as more than just an infrastructure upgrade — it’s a crucial step towards creating a more supportive environment for women’s education and empowerment.

 

Shri Bhujbal praised the CPWD for their unwavering dedication, noting that despite administrative and geographical challenges, the facilities were completed on time and within budget, even achieving notable cost savings.

 

The CBIC has been a steadfast supporter of the Swachh Bharat Mission, having completed over 3,000 sanitation projects in the past six years. In the last financial year alone, the department successfully executed 197 projects across India with a focus on sustainable initiatives like digital record management, accessibility-friendly toilets, and workplace improvements including creches.

Beyond infrastructure, CBIC continues to champion community well-being through plantation drives, public art initiatives, and park rejuvenations. Their participation in campaigns like Swachchta Hi Sewa and Swachchta Pakhwada has further promoted cleanliness, efficiency, and environmental responsibility in public spaces.

 

This latest initiative in Maharajganj is more than just a ribbon-cutting moment — it represents a compassionate and forward-thinking vision where every girl, no matter how remote her village, has access to the dignity and opportunities she deserves.